So I was thinking about all the little things that have happened because I've lost weight and wondered if other people experienced these "unexpected" things, too--the kinds of things you don't think about happening when you start your weight loss journey. I can't say all of them are good, but they're interesting to think about.

*My wedding ring fell off, had it resized, and now it's too big again.
*I get cold a lot easier.
*I spend a lot more money on clothing.
*People treat me differently.

Now, I can't decide if that last one is because I behave differently, or because people are noticing me more. I don't remember ever having clerks and other shoppers talk to me as much as they do now. Before I was just the invisible middle-aged fat woman, I guess. Or am I more outgoing as the weight comes off? That one's a puzzle. I'd be interested to hear if anyone else has noticed people being more friendly as the weight comes off.

This is great, Sheila! Really interesting. A couple of things come to mind immediately, but I know there's more, so I'm going to give this some thought and then report back.

I wear jeans (check out my new profile pic! )
I am nicer so people are nicer (part of this is letting God into my life)
I still have plenty of "fat" days, but sometimes I feel pretty.
I am cold all the time.
I only have 1 ring that fits and its not my wedding ring.
My kiddo can wrap his whole arms around me when he hugs me.
I let people hug me and touch me.
I let people take my picture.
There are more, but this is a ODAT journey

Chris

Shelia-- My list is identical to yours! My rings are barely staying on. I don't want to get them resized just yet.. I went from a size 8 ring finer ring to a size 6! Like I said they are BARELY hanging on..

I am cold all the time... It's totally wierd how those extra pounds insulate you!

I spend lotsa money on the clothing.. Matter of fact I need to go buy more!

I do notice more guys lookin my way these days.

I like my picture to be taken. I no longer hide behind someone! I'm right out in front!

I am not so out of breath after a little exertion

I can shop in the Junior section

ohhh... there are sooooo many things...

I'll stop here ... for now anyway!

I have a couple thing I'd like to type to your post. And

Mez

My eyes still close when I smile too big, but I got cheekbones. Come and laugh with me!

DH? Well I will leave that to the imagination
Chris

Tee hee!!

Love the pic in your profile, too. You look fantastic!

So what is that beautiful piece of furniture behind you? I kept trying to see what the books were on the floor, too. Just snoopy, I guess.

Chris... You look wonderful!!!

Chris - you look great!! I LOVE the picture of you laughing too!!! You rock!!!

Piles and piles of OA literature, The Dance by Oriah Mountain Dreamer (check out the poety on her web site), Yoga magazines, My Journal/Step work, and the one thing that would piss my sponsor off Muscle and Fitness Hers, and of course my workout log another thing my sponsor and I are going rounds about. Darn I am rebellious lately

Chris

My ring fell off in the shower today for the first time. WOOOO HOOOO!!!

Chris - You look HOT!

Howie - A ring just falling off is HUGE! Now we just need for your clothes to fall off... Oh dear, I didn't mean it to sound like that.. but i'm sure you know what I mean I want my clothes to fall off too.

WELL! That did catch my attention but at last I do know what you mean. LOL

Howie and Celina -- you guys are funny --

I'm just over a third of the way through my journey, so I'm sure I'm going to encounter a lot more surprising changes along the way, but these are some things I've noticed so far:

• I always used to be ROASTING, and now I'll suddenly feel so cold!
• I can scratch my feet while driving my car! (Odd, I know, but it seems to come up a lot! )
• I can turn around in the seat more easily now while driving, so I find it easier to back up, pull out, switch lanes, etc.
• I'm so much lighter on my feet now -- I hop up on curbs, run up steps, etc...I'm not just more agile, I actually FEEL LIGHTER! (I didn't think about that.)
• My earlobes are thinner!
• Definitely the ring thing....Soon I'll need to get my commitment ring resized -- I would just die if I lost it!
• My feet shrank!
• My lap is bigger, so I hold my animals on my lap differently now!
• It's easier to carry the laundry basket -- and everything else, for that matter!
• Soooooo much less back pain -- it's not eliminated, but it's greatly reduced. (I expected relief eventually, but not this soon.)
• I don't retain water all the time like I did.
• I smile a lot more now, and I am much more like the old Sarah
• I don't stand as still when I'm standing now; I move around more (shake the butt, dance, etc.)
• No more huffing and puffing from simple exertion, THANK GOD!
• I'm flirting more, and just generally feel more self-confident

I'm sure I'm missing something, but already I've put down more than I'd expected to!